Button hopes Hughton has a selection headache with Ryan returning from Asian Cup

Brighton & Hove Albion goalkeeper David Button hopes he has given manager Chris Hughton a selection headache, with Mathew Ryan returning from the Asian Cup.
David Button. Picture by PW Sporting PhotographyDavid Button. Picture by PW Sporting Photography
David Button. Picture by PW Sporting Photography

Button played five matches while Ryan was with Australia at the Asian Cup and kept two clean sheets, against Everton in the Premier League and in the FA Cup against West Brom on Saturday.

Ryan is set to be back available for Tuesday's Premier League match at Fulham and Button said: "I've done what I can and it will be down to the manager to decide.

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"Obviously I'd love to carry on playing but whatever he decides, I'll support his decision and do what I can for the team.

"On the whole I feel like I've held my own and done well, so we'll have to see what happens now."

Button added he has been in contact with Ryan throughout the Asian Cup and said: "I've been following him and speaking to him. I'm pleased to see him doing well but it was just a shame they couldn't go all the way.

"I've been an Australian fan for the last few months which has been a bit strange but it will be good to have him back, particularly with Steeler's injury now it's probably good timing that he's back.

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"I'd like to think that at least the manager's got a decision to make and that was my aim when he went away to do well enough that he'd at least have to think about what he does. Hopefully he has and whatever happens happens."

Button made a crucial save on Saturday against West Brom when he pushed Tosin Adarabioyo's header on to the bar.

The keeper said: "I didn't have loads to do apart from that but it's crucial in those games that you keep concentration and do what you can when called upon.

"I felt on the whole we had more chances than them and their keeper made some good saves, so it's disappointing not to win.

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"I thought at times we had to defend as well. It was quite open which we probably didn't want but we've got a replay and we'll look to win that now."

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